W.J. O'Neil Co. has opened an office and 25,000-square-foot fabricating facility in Chattanooga where it will oversee work for the building of the Volkswagen plant and employ up to 150 people, the company reported today.

The Michigan-based company received a contract to fabricate and install utility piping at the automaker's plant slated to start production in early 2011.

The piping system will deliver gas, air, chilled water, hot water, and steam throughout the plant. The 26th Street facility is employing local pipefitters and plumbers, according to the company.